October 25, 2010 - Precise Automation introduced the Guidance 1400A series, a pocket-sized, vision-guided line of multi-axis motion controllers. This controller is based on a distributed network architecture that allows it to be located at the point of use. The 1400A series includes coordinated multi-axis robotic motion control, integrated servo motor drives, network communications, machine vision interface in a low-cost, pocket-sized package, 87 mm by 150 mm by 38 mm. In addition, the 1400A includes motor drives capable of driving two 200W and two 100W motors simultaneously and enhanced communication capabilities, such as a dedicated MCP interface and RS-485 for connecting to remote IO.
The User Interface is based on a web server that resides in the Guidance 1400A, allowing the controller to be accessed from anywhere in the world for easy development, operation, and maintenance. The software includes a complete set of motion commands, machine kinematics, a continuous path motion planner and trajectory generator, a powerful language with motion commands added to the Basic language, Active X and .Net links to Microsoft software, and an optional machine vision package that can execute in a networked PC. The vision software contains measurement tools and a patented object locator that can locate multiple instances of parts in any orientation, even with cluttered backgrounds.